Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

This Mediterranean ground beef stir fry brings the bright and sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your table in just minutes. Drawing inspiration from Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines, this simple yet flavorful dish combines lean ground beef with colorful bell peppers and aromatic spices for a quick weeknight dinner that never disappoints.

I first created this recipe when I needed something quick after a long workday, and it's since become our Thursday night tradition. My husband now asks for it specifically when he smells the cumin and garlic hitting the hot pan.

Ingredients

• Ground beef lean: 1 lb for protein without excess fat, look for 90/10 lean to fat ratio for best flavor balance
• Red and yellow bell peppers: one each for natural sweetness and a pop of color, choose firm peppers with glossy skin
• Red onion: one small adds pleasant sharpness and purple flecks throughout the dish
• Garlic: two fresh cloves minced provides essential Mediterranean flavor base
• Olive oil: two tablespoons preferably extra virgin for authentic Mediterranean taste
• Ground cumin: one teaspoon adds earthy warmth that anchors the flavor profile
• Smoked paprika: one teaspoon for gentle smokiness without heat, Spanish varieties work best
• Ground coriander: half teaspoon contributes citrusy notes that brighten the dish
• Dried oregano: half teaspoon authentic Greek touch, Mediterranean oregano has more flavor than Mexican varieties
• Fresh lemon juice: from half a lemon cuts through richness and ties flavors together
• Fresh parsley for garnish: adds color and herbal freshness at the end

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Place a large skillet over medium high heat until you can feel warmth hovering above the surface. Add the ground beef without any oil and break it apart immediately with a wooden spatula into small chunks. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the bottom begins to brown before stirring again. Continue cooking and breaking apart for about 5 to 7 minutes total until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if there is more than a tablespoon in the pan by tilting the skillet and spooning it out.

Create the Aromatic Base:

Add the olive oil to the same skillet with the cooked beef. Toss in the diced red onion and stir frequently for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until you can smell its fragrance but before it browns or burns. This aromatic foundation will infuse the entire dish with classic Mediterranean character.

Add Colorful Peppers:

Add both the chopped red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Stir to combine with the beef and onion mixture. Allow them to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The ideal texture is slightly tender but still with a pleasant crisp bite. You'll notice they become glossy and slightly softened but still hold their shape.

Develop Flavor with Spices:

Sprinkle all the spices evenly across the mixture cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to toast the spices gently in the residual heat and oil, releasing their essential oils and fragrance. Make sure every piece of meat and vegetable gets coated evenly with the spice mixture. The aroma will become noticeably more intense and complex.

Brighten with Finishing Touches:

Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the lemon juice evenly over the entire dish. Gently toss everything together one final time to distribute the acidity throughout. Scatter fresh chopped parsley across the top just before serving to add color contrast and a fresh herbal note that balances the rich flavors. If using, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch.

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The smoked paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power during a cooking class in Barcelona, and now I keep three varieties in my spice cabinet. My kids used to pick out the bell peppers until I started cutting them in larger pieces which somehow made them more appealing on their plates.

Meal Prep Magic

This stir fry actually improves with a day in the refrigerator as the spices meld more deeply with the beef and vegetables. Make a double batch and refrigerate portions in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify beautifully, making this an ideal candidate for your weekly meal prep routine. Reheat gently in a skillet with a tablespoon of water to restore moisture or microwave covered for about 2 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this versatile dish truly shines when paired thoughtfully. Serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous which cooks in just 5 minutes for an authentic Mediterranean experience. For a lower carb option, try cauliflower rice or a simple Greek salad alongside. My favorite way is stuffed inside warm pita pockets with a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a handheld meal. It also makes an excellent filling for bell peppers topped with feta cheese and baked until bubbly.

Mediterranean Twist

This recipe draws inspiration from several Mediterranean cuisines rather than being strictly authentic to one region. The combination of cumin and coriander reflects North African influence, while the bell peppers and oregano lean toward Greek traditions. In Lebanon, a similar dish might include pine nuts and cinnamon, which you could easily add for variation. The beauty of Mediterranean cooking lies in its adaptability and focus on fresh, simple ingredients enhanced with distinctive spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I serve with this ground beef stir fry?

Serve it over rice, quinoa, or alongside pita bread. It also works great as a filling for wraps or stuffed into bell peppers.

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb for different flavors.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili along with the spices for extra heat.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the beef stir fry can be cooked in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

→ What substitutes can I use for the bell peppers?

You can replace bell peppers with zucchini, carrots, or any other vegetables you enjoy for a different twist.